Shrimp and Cashew Pineapple Fried Rice
Shrimp and cashew pineapple fried rice made in a rice cooker is an easy, flavorful dish that combines tropical sweetness with savory notes. The rice cooker simplifies the cooking process by perfectly steaming the rice while integrating the flavors of fresh shrimp, cashews, and pineapple. As the rice absorbs the juices from the shrimp and pineapple, it takes on a light, aromatic quality, balancing the natural sweetness of the fruit with the rich savoriness of the seafood.
The cashews add a delightful crunch to each bite, complementing the tender shrimp and juicy pineapple. The cashews provide a subtle nutty flavor that contrasts with the dish’s vibrant ingredients. The shrimp, seasoned with a touch of soy sauce or fish sauce, cooks quickly and remains succulent, adding protein and a mild, briny taste to the fried rice.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive side for a larger feast. The rice cooker makes it an effortless, one-pot recipe that allows the flavors to meld beautifully while minimizing clean-up. Whether you’re craving a taste of the tropics or seeking a dish with a mix of textures and flavors, shrimp and cashew pineapple fried rice is a versatile and satisfying option.
Recommended Rice Cookers
Using a rice cooker for this dish simplifies the cooking process and ensures everything is cooked to perfection with minimal supervision. It’s a great way to make a traditional dish more accessible, especially if you’re pressed for time or prefer a hands-off approach to cooking.
I grew up using rice cookers from the brands Tiger and Zojirushi. Here are a few from them that I would recommend. I’ve linked a few options depending on how large of a rice cooker you need. Depending on what you are looking for, I have recommended rice cookers ranging from $20-200. On that note… let’s get cooking!
Key Features to Look For:
- Multiple Cooking Functions: Ensure it has settings for steaming, slow cooking, and possibly even baking.
- Non-Stick Inner Pot: Makes cleaning easier and prevents sticking.
- Timer and Keep Warm Function: Useful for planning meals ahead of time and keeping them warm until you’re ready to eat.
- Steaming Basket or Tray: Allows you to steam vegetables or cook other ingredients while the rice cooks.
Shrimp and Cashew Pineapple Fried Rice in a Rice Cooker
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Shrimp and cashew pineapple fried rice made in a rice cooker is a savory-sweet dish combining tender shrimp, crunchy cashews, and juicy pineapple with fragrant rice, all cooked effortlessly in one pot.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice (I recommend Japanese short-grain or medium grain)
- Water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (substitute fish sauce)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup pineapple, diced (fresh or canned)
- 1/3 cup peas, frozen
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup cashews, un-roasted and unsalted
- 6–8 shrimp, medium-sized (I don’t recommend using frozen shrimp, as it will take longer to cook)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish; optional)
- Squeeze of lime juice, sriracha (for garnishing at the end)
Instructions
- Begin by giving your rice a good rinse to clean it. Then pour it into the rice cooker, along with the appropriate amount of water. Be sure to follow the instructions for the correct water amount depending on the type of rice you are using. I used medium-grain rice, which requires 2 cups of water for every 1.5 cups of rice.
- To the rice cooker, add your soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, pineapple, peas, red bell peppers, and cashews.
- Close the rice cooker lid and cook on the regular white rice setting until the rice is cooked (this takes me ~20-25 minutes, but varies between rice cookers).
- Once done, place your shrimp directly on top of the rice. Cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked thoroughly.
- Finally, serve and garnish with green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2